Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Steering reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
44
Latest Mar 26, 2020
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
12%
of 370 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
5
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
5
What this page shows
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 44 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming steering
The 25 most recent of 44, in the owner's own words
2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX SPORT MAKES A LOUD POPPING/CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. IT ALSO POPS LOUD WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN I AM DRIVING ON STRAIGHT AND SMOOTH ROADS, THERE IS NO ISSUE WHATSOEVER. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO FOUR DIFFERENT SHOPS AND HAD IT LOOKED AT BY EIGHT DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED BY GENERAL MOTORS IMMEDIATELY! I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THIS CAN BECOME A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ID
11319341
Incident
Jan 5, 2020
Mileage
90,147 mi
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Nov 6, 2018
I BOUGHT MY EQUINOX USED IN 2015 WITH 87,000. SINCE HAVING IT, I'VE REPLACED THE TIRE VALVE SENSORS (BROKE AGAIN). I WAS TOLD THAT FIXING THEM ARE A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION. I'VE REPLACED TURN SIGNAL HANDLE. A MONTH LATER, I HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN OFF MY TURNING SIGNALS NO MATTER HOW SHARP OR WIDE MY TURNS ARE. SINCE I FIRST GOT MY VEHICLE, MY STABILITY TRACTION SERVICE LIGHT, I THINK THE ABS LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT POPS ON. CAN'T TAKE TO MECHANIC DUE TO THE ISSUES NOT BEING CONSTANT. ONCE I CAUGHT ENGINE LIGHT ON,IT WAS A EGR VALVE, REPLACED THAT. ISSUE CONTINUES. WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY, MY VEHICLE SEEMS TO HESITATE AND/OR STALL.
NHTSA ID
11149719
Incident
Dec 1, 2015
Steering
Filed Mar 13, 2018
I HAVE A NEW BATTERY (PURCHASED 2-3MONTHS AGO) & A NEW ALTERNATOR (INSTALLED YESTERDAY). TODAY DRIVING TO WORK I NOTICE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS SOON AS I STARTED TO DRIVE. THERE IS NO PLACE TO ADD POWER STEERING FLUID AS I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY EMPLOYEES AT ADVANCE AUTO PART BECAUSE IT IS EITHER ELECTRIC OR HYDRAULIC. PLEASE HELP? ..... P.S. IT WAS LOCKED JUST B4 REPLACING THE ALTERNATOR (ABOUT 1 WEEK AGO) AND REMAINS LOCKED TODAY.
NHTSA ID
11078928
Incident
Mar 13, 2018
AirbagsSteering
Filed Jun 7, 2017
Crash reported2 injuries reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH WITH HIS DAUGHTER, WIFE, AND NEPHEW, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A ROAD SIGN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER SUSTAINED A CONTUSION ON THE CHEST WALL AND HIS WIFE SUSTAINED SHOULDER PAIN. THE DAUGHTER REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA ID
10993759
Incident
Jun 5, 2017
Mileage
160,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Aug 11, 2016
MY 74 YEAR OLD BROTHER BOUGHT HIS 2008 EQUINOX NEW IT HAS LESS THAN 120,000 MILES ON IT AND IT IS THE BIGGEST HEAP OF CRAP CHEVROLET INVENTED!!!! 5. POWER STEERING WENT OUT COSTING $2500.00 TO FIX JAN 2015 6. TRANSMISSION STARTS JERKING WHEN HITTING 45 MPH DEALERSHIP INFORMED US OF THE TRANSMISSION WHEN WE TOOK IN FOR A RECALL ON A DEFECTIVE GAS MODUAL THAT THEY NEVER REPLACED SAYING THE PART WAS OK. THEY DROVE IT AND SAID THAT ITS THE TRANSMISSION AND ASKED $500.00 TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC. STARTED FEB 2016 7. THE STABLE LINK LIGHT PERIODICALLY COMES ON SAYING TO SERVICE THE STABLE TRAC THEN GOES OFF STARTED MARCH OF 2016 8. THE TOP OF THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE BACK HATCH IS GONE WHERE IT FELL OFF AT SOME POINT HAS MANY OTHER THINGS WRONG. TURN SIGNAL GEARS TO TURN OFF SIGNALS FOR RIGHT AND LEFT SIGNAL DO NOT WORK. THE WASHER FLUID MOTOR DOES NOT WORK. DRIVERS DOOR POWER WINDOW MOTOR BROKE FROM WINDOW.DRIVERS DOOR HAS TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THIS VEHICLE IS A CLEAN AND IN EXCELLENT SHAPE IT WAS BOUGHT NEW AND IS OWNED BY AN ELDERLY MAN. IT HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED HAS LESS THAT 120,000 MILES ON IT
NHTSA ID
10894969
Incident
Aug 10, 2016
Mileage
100,000 mi
Driver assistanceOther / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Jun 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STABILITY AND TRACTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000. TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STABILITY TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000. UPDATED 08/30/16*LJ CONSUMER STATED NO POWER STEERING HAS WIRING, FLUID LEAK, AND BOLTS WERE MISSING. UPDATED 06/20/18*JB
NHTSA ID
10875384
Incident
Dec 15, 2015
Mileage
133,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 21, 2016
THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND PARK AT LOW SPEEDS. I'VE SEVERAL FORUMS WITH THIS PROBLEM OCCURRING A LOT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE POWER STEERING RECALLS. IT'S NEARLY $1,000 TO HAVE THIS PART REPLACED!
NHTSA ID
10850864
Incident
Jan 15, 2016
Mileage
95,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 23, 2016
THE STEERING KIND OF LOCKS WHILE IN MOTION AND YOU HAVE TO FORCE IT SOMETIMES TO TURN. ONCE I ADJUST THE COLUMN IT WILL SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THEN ONCE I START THE CAR AGAIN IT WILL BE FINE FOR A WHILE AND I HAVE TO KEEP DOING IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN. BUT THE COMPUTER READS IT'S FINE AND THE MACHANIC CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT
NHTSA ID
10821847
Incident
Jan 23, 2016
Mileage
80,000 mi
Steering
Filed Dec 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
NHTSA ID
10816461
Incident
Dec 24, 2015
Mileage
54,000 mi
Steering
Filed Oct 5, 2015
MY CAR WOULDN'T START. SO I BROUGHT A NEW BATTERY THEN MY CAR STARTED AND THEN I NOTICED STABILITRAK LIGHT WAS ON. I TRY TO DRIVE CAR BUT MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN AND COULDN'T DRIVE THE CAR.
NHTSA ID
10779909
Incident
Oct 2, 2015
EnginePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Aug 21, 2015
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A TRIP WHEN SHE PULLED OVER TO GET GAS. THE DRIVESHAFT SNAPPED IN HALF JUST AS SHE WAS PULLING INTO THE GAS STATION. THERE WAS NO WARNING, NO SOUND BEFORE THEN. SHE HAD NO CONTROL OF HER CAR. NO STEERING, NOTHING. SHE HAD JUST PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY, SO THANK GOD IT DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN SHE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH OR SHE WOULD BE DEAD. COST TO HAVE TOWED AND FIXED OVER $1000.ALSO PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, HAS HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH FRONT END. HAD TO REPLACE THE BEARINGS, FRONT AXLE, TIE RODS 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS DUE TO SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE WAY IT DRIVES OR IS MADE. CONSTANT "RUBBING, GRINDING" NOISE WHEN YOU TURN TIRES. GAS FUMES ARE VERY STRONG IN THE CAR, ALWAYS HAVE BEEN, AND REPAIR SHOPS CANNOT FIND ANY LEAKS. SHE CANNOT SELL IT, AS IT IS WORTH VERY LITTLE DUE TO ALL THESE DEFECTS AND NO RECALLS, AND SHE IS STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON THIS CAR FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS. STUCK WITH A VERY DANGEROUS LEMON.
NHTSA ID
10750217
Incident
Jun 2, 2015
Mileage
105,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
NHTSA ID
10744975
Incident
Jul 29, 2015
Mileage
35,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 22, 2015
MY STABILIZER CONTROL LIGHTS ARE FLASHING AND THEY CONTINUE TO FLASH THEY SOMETIMES SLOW THE CAR FOR NO REASON TOOK IT TO THE SHOP WHERE I WORK AND THEY TELL ME I HAVE TO HAVE A PART REPLACED IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND MY ABS IS NO LONGER WORKING MY STABILIZING SYSTEM IS NO LONGER WORKING
NHTSA ID
10735871
Incident
Jun 15, 2015
Mileage
133,446 mi
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Jul 20, 2015
I DROVE MY CAR TO THE STORE WENT IN FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. WHEN I CAME BACK OUT MY CAR WOULDN'T START. I THOUGHT MY CAR BATTERY HAD WENT DEAD SO I GOT A JUMP BUT THEN I NOTICED MY STABILITY TRACK LIGHT WAS ON AND THAT MY POWER STEERING HAD WENT OUT. AS SOON AS I MADE IT HOME TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT, IT WENT DEAD AGAIN. AS I LOOK UP TO SEE WHAT COULD BE WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE I'VE NOTICED THAT THIS IS A COMMON MALFUNCTION THAT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING A LOT. I KNOW CARS CAN GO OUT BUT THIS ALSO HAPPEN A LOT WHERE A CONSUMER SPENDS THERE HARD EARNED MONEY ONLY TO BE DUKED IN THE END. I'VE ONLY HAD MY CAR FOR FOUR MONTHS AND ALTHOUGH IT'S USED I FELT THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MY DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT I WANT TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE. EVEN THOUGH I WAS LUCKY AND DIDN'T CRASH. I HOPE THAT THIS DOES BECOME A RECALL AS IT IS WAY TO DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ID
10735050
Incident
Jul 19, 2015
Steering
Filed May 21, 2015
THE STEERING COLUMN RUBS. THE REPAIRMEN SAY THEORY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE FLUID IS FINE ALSO
NHTSA ID
10717750
Incident
May 1, 2014
Mileage
76,000 mi
Steering
Filed May 21, 2015
SOMETHING SQUEALS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR ANY TIME I TURN.
NHTSA ID
10717637
Incident
Apr 17, 2015
Mileage
62,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 28, 2015
AS I'M DRIVING AT ANY SPEED MY STEERING COLUMN RUBS AND MAKES IT HARD TO TURN CORNERS. HAVE TO FORCE MORE JUST TO DRIVE CAUSE IT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE IT HAS POWER STEERING. *TR
NHTSA ID
10713480
Incident
Apr 28, 2015
Mileage
59,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 17, 2015
STEERING SQUEALS WHEN TURNING. 2008 CHEVY EQUINOX SPORT. *TR
NHTSA ID
10706223
Incident
Dec 3, 2014
Mileage
52,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ID
10705938
Incident
Apr 15, 2015
Steering
Filed Feb 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE POWER STEERING RESUMED AFTER THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED AND RECONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 4/7/15*CN UPDATED 04/09/15
NHTSA ID
10681414
Incident
Feb 4, 2015
Mileage
73,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalSteering
Filed Nov 19, 2014
SINCE MID-AUG, MY EQUINOX HAS BEEN RANDOMLY/INTERMITTENTLY LOSING ENGINE POWER (AS WELL AS STEERING/BRAKING) FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. THANKFULLY, WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY, (NOW AT LEAST WEEKLY) IT HAS NOT HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC. WHEN CHECKING SERVICE CODES, THE INDICATED PROBLEM SYSTEMS ARE "SECONDARY IGNITION CIRCUIT" AND "STABILITRAK." I DO NOT FEEL THE CAR IS SAFELY DRIVABLE, BUT MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER CANNOT OFFER ME EVEN A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT EARLIER THAN DEC 1. *TR
NHTSA ID
10659384
Incident
Aug 9, 2014
Mileage
128,000 mi
Steering
Filed Oct 28, 2014
I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED ON SEPT. 15, 2014. IT IS THE SPORT EDITION OF THE EQUINOX. EVERY TIME I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AT ANY SPEED THERE IS A RUBBING SOUND BETWEEN THE STEERING COLUMN & JUST BEHIND THE AIRBAG ON STEERING WHEEL & NEAR THE IGNITION SWITCH. I ASSUME IF THERE IS ENOUGH RUBBING FRICTION IT COULD AFFECT THE AIRBAG OR IGNITION SWITCH TO CAUSE A FIRE OR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I TOOK CAR TO ROGER DEAN CHEVY DEALER IN CAPE CORAL, FL & THEY SAID THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR SUCH A PROBLEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS RUBBING FRICTION & KNOW THAT GM HAS HAD BOTH IGNITION ISSUES & AIRBAG ISSUES WHICH THIS RUBBING SOUND IS NEAR BOTH OF THESE COMPONENTS. *TR
NHTSA ID
10650573
Incident
Sep 16, 2014
Mileage
95,680 mi
AirbagsDriver assistanceElectrical+1 more
Filed Jul 31, 2014
Crash reported
FIRST INCIDENT, STEERING FAILURE. SERVICE STABILITRACK WARNING APPEARED AND STEERING WENT OUT MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHO STATED STEERING MODULE WENT OUT AND REPLACED AT MY OWN COST. VERY DANGEROUS TO LOOSE STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. ENTIRE STEERING AND INTERIOR CONTROL MODULE WAS ALSO REPLACED A SECOND TIME. DEALER STATED IT WAS NORMAL FOR THIS TO WEAR OUT AND NEED REPLACED. SERVICE STABILITRACK WARNING STILL CONTINUES TO COME ON OCCASIONALLY. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUE. HOPEFULLY THE STEERING WILL NOT GO OUT THIS TIME WHILE I AM GOING DOWN A MAJOR HIGHWAY AT HIGHER SPEEDS. HAVE ALSO CONTINUOUSLY EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH WATER IN THE VEHICLE. CAN HEAR THE WATER SLOSHING AROUND. WATER IN THE HEADLIGHTS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AT NIGHT. DOOR LOCKS ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY. CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, FRONT END COLLISION AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SERIOUS SAFETY RISK. *TR
NHTSA ID
10617962
Incident
May 15, 2013
Mileage
100,767 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WITHOUT WARNING. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. HOWEVER, RESULTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,218.
NHTSA ID
10608898
Incident
Jul 3, 2014
Mileage
47,218 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalSteering
Filed Jul 1, 2014
WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT THE STABILITRAK FAILED AND THE CAR IN A POSSESSED MANOR ACCELERATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED PUSHING ME FORWARD INTO TRAFFIC. ONCE I REGAINED SOME CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE CAR WAS HOPPING, THE ENGINE WAS MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND, AND I COULD NOT GO MORE THAN 25 MILES PER HOUR AND STEERING WAS DIFFICULT. TWO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. 1 WAS AS STABILATRAK REQUIRES SERVICE, THE OTHER WAS REDUCED ENGINE POWER. THE DASH ALSO HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. BECAUSE IT WAS LATE AND THE ISSUE STARTED MAYBE ON 5 MILES FROM HOME, WE TRIED TO CREEP HOME AT 25 MILES PER HOUR. THERE IS NO WARNING THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS GOING TO DO THIS. THIS ALSO HAPPENED ON A ROAD TRIP FROM CHICAGO TO MINNEAPOLIS; HALFWAY THERE WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF AND I LOST STABILITY ALONG WITH MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE. *TR
NHTSA ID
10607381
Incident
Jun 27, 2014
Mileage
100,000 mi
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own